Asia Cup DEFERRED for 2nd time due to Covid 19; tournament likely after 2023 ICC 50-over World Cup

One of the prominent cricket tournaments – the Asia Cup has been deferred for the second time indefinitely on the back of worsening covid situation in the world as well as in Sri Lanka.

While speaking to the media on Wednesday, Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley de Silva announced that it was not possible for them to organise the tournament in wake of the pandemic.  

Originally, the tournament was supposed to happen in September 2020, however, due to pandemic, it was postponed to June 2021. However, the conditions being persistent, the tournament, wherein the Asian cricket team primarily participates, has been postponed again indefinitely.

The tournament last took place in 2018, which was clinched by India defeating Bangladesh in the finals.

Initially, Pakistan was supposed to host in 2020. However, due to tensions between India and Pakistan, the tournament was moved to the island nation.

With all the teams planning for their Future Tour Programs (FTPs) for the next two years, the tournament is likely to happen only after the 2023 ICC (international council of cricket) 50-over World Cup. A formal statement from the Asian Cricket Council is, however, yet to come.

Due to multiplying cases of COVID-19, the Sri Lankan government has put a 10-day ban on international air travel.

Sri Lanka is touring Bangladesh for a limited-overs series while they will host a second-string India team for a six-match white-ball series in July.

In 2020, we saw a slew of sports tournaments being suspended or deferred such as the T20 Cricket World Cup, FIFA World Cup, Olympics among others.  

Earlier this month, the cash-rich domestic cricket tournament Indian Premier League 2021 had also been suspended indefinitely mid-way, as multiple players from different teams started detecting positive. It is expected, the tournament may be resumed in September days before T20 World Cup.